While looking at the Sesame Workshop website, it was like taking a trip back in time. When I was a child, we were limited to local stations unlike the 200+ channels of today. Not to mention, it was before the days of the remote. As a result, Sesame Street was the foundation of my early educational experiences. Sesame Street helped me to learn my ABC’s and how to count (in both English and Spanish). Looking back, I realize that the diversity of the cast members and the subjects discussed helped me learn a variety of skills in addition to preparing me for school. The show teaches social skills along with cognitive skills. I think that it is very telling that today's shows include clips of shows that were on when I was a child.
Sesame Street utilized television as an educational tool when it began in 1969. As we move through the 21st Century, Sesame Street continues to evolve and change with the changing media. With the increased use of information technology, they established an interactive website for children, parents and teachers. Podcasts are available with focused content. There are videos within the four initiatives (Health & Wellness, Respect & Understanding, Literacy & Numeracy, and Emotional Wellbeing) that discuss various topics that fall under each heading. This is a feature that teachers with Internet access could use to engage their students and support their curriculum. Games, videos, playlists and other interactive tools can be accessed on the home page. ( http://www.sesamestreet.org/home ) Parents can use this area of the website to get their children involved in learning. My nephew is only 2, but my sister often gets on Sesame Street's website to let him "play" a game. I truly believe that having him watch Sesame Street will provide a foundation for his educational development. Allowing him to engage in the interactive activities online will only help support that foundation.
Everyone loves a little trivia. Does anyone know what color Oscar the Grouch was in the first season? (no cheating with google ;-Þ)
Access Podcasts: http://www.sesamestreet.org/podcasts/
Access Initiatives: http://www.sesameworkshop.org/initiatives
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